Karen Whitney is a seasoned higher ed executive as well as a nationally recognized organizational and leadership development writer, speaker, consultant and advisor. When coaching higher ed leaders, Karen draws on her 40-year career in higher education where she has held roles with increasing levels of responsibility, eventually serving as president and chancellor. In our conversation with Karen, we discuss the importance of higher ed leaders developing networks of support, as well as the unique role of a coach in relation to trusted colleagues, mentors, consultants, friends, and family. We also explore how leaders can draw on a coach as they navigate their relationships with different stakeholder groups. To see more conversations in this series, check out the other sessions.
Peter Cimbolic has spent his entire career in higher education in both the public and private sector. In his coaching, he draws heavily upon his background as a practicing psychologist, professor, internationally recognized scholar, dean, provost, and university president. In our conversation, Peter describes how coaching can be a valuable tool for faculty, staff, and administrators as they consider academic or administrative career pathways towards increasing levels of leadership in the college/university structure. Peter offers thoughts on how to best position oneself to be considered for the next step on the career ladder. We also discuss the challenges of transitioning to a new level of leadership, keeping the unique culture of higher education in mind. To see more conversations in this series, check out the other sessions.
Christine J. Quinn is a certified executive and team coach, motivational speaker, facilitator, and organizational development expert. Drawing on over 26 years of higher education leadership experience, she works with higher ed leaders to achieve personal and professional success. In our conversation with Christine, we discuss why coaching is timely for leaders navigating current complexities in higher ed. In addition, we explore how leaders can grow their leadership skillset in these times and lead their teams with authenticity and positivity. To see more conversations in this series, check out the other sessions.
Our conversation this week is with Steve Riccio. Steve is a leadership coach, author, professor, and higher ed consultant. Drawing on his expertise in leading change and human resource initiatives, Steve brings a deep commitment to working with leaders in higher ed to move their goals into action. In this conversation, we explore how coaching supports leaders to translate their goals and purpose into concrete actions, move a ‘problem’ – even those seemingly intractable – into a well formulated plan of action, and effectively manage their time and priorities. To see more conversations in this series, check out the other sessions.
Our first conversation is with Beth Weinstock. Beth is a clinical psychologist, leadership coach, author, and cofounder of Women’s Leadership Works. She has taught at universities on both coasts and coached many higher ed leaders. She brings a unique blend of clinical, academic, and leadership expertise to her coaching practice. In our conversation with Beth, we discuss how coaching provides a safe space for leaders to understand and better manage their patterns under stress. In addition, we consider ways to think about and build resilience. To see more conversations in this series, check out the other sessions.
In a time when higher education is navigating persistent uncertainty and complex stakeholder dynamics, bold leadership isn’t just aspirational—it’s essential. This session invites you to pause and reflect: What is the future of higher ed that we want to see? How can we work toward that future? Building on the powerful themes in The Best Gift Higher Education Never Asked For, this interactive webcast will introduce practical ways to help leaders create space for meaningful, forward-looking dialogue. You’ll learn how to structure sessions that surface real concerns, mobilize your teams around a shared vision, and move from reactive planning to strategic investment. Whether you’re just beginning to rethink what’s next or are already leading change efforts on your campus, this hands-on experience will leave you equipped to initiate critical conversations with clarity, intention, and momentum. Come prepared to reflect, explore, and take the next bold step. Can’t join us live? Watch the recording and reach out to us to learn more about how we can support you in hosting these conversations on your campus.
Louisiana State University seeks to transform the culture of service and faculty leadership, beginning with mid-career faculty who bear significant research responsibilities. Given that research output and productivity hold considerable importance in academia, prioritizing leadership development within this framework ensures that the discourse is both relevant and impactful for individual faculty members and the institution alike. By investing in faculty leadership, we can expect to see tangible improvements in research outcomes, enhanced retention of vital faculty and staff, and, ultimately, a more vibrant and positive institutional culture and climate. Agenda topics are subject to change based on ongoing collaboration between LSU and Academic Impressions. Please revisit this page for updated pre-work and other information in advance of each session. August 7, 2025 | 9:00am-4:00pm (Breakfast and Lunch provided) Welcome & Introductions9:00am – 9:30am Empowered Leadership 9:30am – 10:15amThere is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Leaders must learn to adapt to different contexts and situations without losing their authenticity or integrity; in fact, the more self-aware a leader is about their own style and approach to leadership, the more successful they will be at adapting to new people and changing realities. In this session, each participant will identify the qualities, skills, […]
This webinar will explore how to cultivate a data-informed culture within your institution, empowering you to make strategic and impactful academic program decisions. Learn to leverage valuable data sources—including student demand, employment trends, and competitive analysis—to gain a comprehensive understanding of program effectiveness and make informed choices about whether to start, stop, or grow programs. Learn how to implement a “leading from the middle” approach that encourages leaders to be program evaluation software users who frequently gather data insights to inform critical program decisions. We’ll examine how to use program economics to uncover hidden costs, optimize resources, and ensure program sustainability. We’ll delve into practical strategies for building a strong foundation of data literacy and explore why a phased approach, starting with foundational concepts, can lead to greater success. Join us to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for leading from the middle, empowering stakeholders to make data-informed academic program decisions that drive institutional success. Key takeaways:
As students move through higher education and into the workforce, it is more important than ever for them to develop an understanding of who they are as leaders. Help your students deepen their self-awareness, apply what they’ve learned in and out of the classroom to interviews and their future employment, and develop the skills to communicate effectively about their leadership strengths and areas for improvement using the Five Paths to Leadership® Self-Assessment. Join us to learn more about how this assessment can benefit your students, from classrooms to student employment to extracurricular activities! You’ll hear from Academic Impressions practitioners and partners who have applied the Five Paths to Leadership® to a student context. You’ll also receive a toolkit and case studies to help guide your work with students around the assessment.
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, but how can you leverage its potential to enhance alumni support and commencement activities without risking your institution’s reputation or data security? Join 42Chat for an insightful webcast where we’ll break down the essentials of curated vs. generative AI, share practical use cases tailored to higher education, and arm you with critical questions to ask your AI providers. With over seven years of experience in conversational AI, 42Chat has partnered with organizations to create secure, innovative solutions that drive engagement and streamline operations. This session is your chance to learn how to safely harness AI to better connect with alumni and improve the commencement experience—all while keeping your data and brand protected. Don’t miss it!
